(CNN) - President Barack Obama said Friday he came to Mexico to break down stereotypes between the United States and its neighbor to the south.

Speaking at the Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, Obama said that too often the relationship between the United States and Mexico is "trapped in old stereotypes," where Mexicans see America as trying to wall itself off from Mexico and Americans see Mexico through the sensational headlines of violence in the war on drugs.

soundoff(10 Responses)

Would the GOP still have a problem with immigration reform if Mexico was made up entirely of white people?

May 3, 2013 11:14 am at 11:14 am |

Wilson

If someone does not want to be stereotyped, then they should not fit the stereotype. Does not matter if it is the stereotypes associated with rednecks, blacks, irish, italians, mexicans, or pink and purple people.

May 3, 2013 11:17 am at 11:17 am |

Dutch/Bad Newz, VA -aka- Take Back The House -aka- No Redemption Votes

"The biggest thing I want to see is how the U.S. and Mexico are willing to tackle the war on drugs," said Julio Meyer, another 18-year-old senior. "In my point of view, it has not been successful."
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I share the same view Julio. Sorry Mr. President, I'm a big advocate of yours, but as far as the "demand" for drugs goes, that will NEVER decrease. This failed war on drugs has resulted in the birth of new and more dangerous drugs. This Prison Industrial Complex that locks up people for minor drug violators is ruining peoples lives. The country needs to adopt what Colorado and Washington state has done and legalize marijuana. If we're so concerned about securing our southern border, we seriously need to consider legalizing/decriminalizing pot.

May 3, 2013 11:18 am at 11:18 am |

Rick McDaniel

The stereotypes are real.........wishing them away will not change REALITY!

May 3, 2013 11:37 am at 11:37 am |

Larry in Houston

I know that Obama travelled to mexico for the stereo type of thing / speech / & etc – But it's like this : since he's already there, why don't he try to get ahold of carlos slim ? I mean, isn't he the trillionaire that Obama could see if he could give this country several trillion ? I mean, this guy makes warren buffett / trump / bill gates & others look like amateurs !! LOL – If you don't believe me, all you have to do is google carlos slim – he's Lebanese – and Obama could possibly get some type of deal with getting ahold of some of those trillions of dollars, possibly to bring our debt down ? LOL

May 3, 2013 11:57 am at 11:57 am |

Data Driven

I commend the effort, Mr. President, but I suspect people are too attached to their little hatreds.

May 3, 2013 12:11 pm at 12:11 pm |

J Russ

To Wire Palladin, S. F.

Would the GOP still have a problem with immigration reform if Mexico was made up entirely of white people?

I don't have any problem with immigration, it's the illegal part that I take exception to.

May 3, 2013 12:42 pm at 12:42 pm |

Gurgyl

GOP is the biggest PROBLEM, these idiots think we are in 3rd century. Pathetic.